Physical and Sexual Violence Among North Carolina Women

• Published in: Women's health issues 2008, Vol.18 (2), p.130-140
• Main Authors: Martin, Sandra L., PhD, Rentz, E. Danielle, PhD, Chan, Ronna L., MPH, Givens, Jeanne, MSSW, Sanford, Catherine P., MSPH, Kupper, Lawrence L., PhD, Garrettson, Mariana, MPH, Macy, Rebecca J., PhD, ACSW, LCSW
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Obstetrics and Gynecology
• ISSN: 1049-3867; 1878-4321
• DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2007.12.008

Objective This study examines links between women’s experiences of violence during adulthood (including physical and sexual violence) and women’s physical health, mental health, and functional status. Methods Data were analyzed from a representative sample of 9,830 North Carolina women surveyed by the North Carolina Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Results One-quarter of the women experienced violence as adults, with current or ex-partners being the most common perpetrators. Logistic regression analyses that controlled for the sociodemographic characteristics of the women found that women who experienced violence were significantly more likely than other women to have poor physical health, poor mental health, and functional limitations. Moreover, these negative health outcomes were most prevalent among the women who experienced a combination of both physical and sexual violence. Conclusions These findings underscore the need for trauma-informed women’s health services and policies.